Post by botesbabe on Aug 29, 2008 7:21:49 GMT -6

I have 5 Peter Pepper plants that are doing great and flowering like crazy. The problem is that I can't get any bees or bugs to pollinate them. I have seen posts about taking a male flower and pollinating the female flowers for other plants, but can't tell the difference with these. How do I tell the difference, or is there one with peppers?? I really want these guys to start producing.

Post by botesbabe on Aug 29, 2008 7:31:34 GMT -6

That's what I thought. I need to pick up some tiny brushes next time I am out and about. What's wierd is that the tomato plant is RIGHT next to the peppers and it is getting tiny tomatoes, but NO peppers. ::( Go figure!

Post by Phil on Aug 29, 2008 7:44:54 GMT -6

Peppers have "perfect" flowers Ladies, that means they have, in each flower, Male AND Female components...they shouldn't need to help at all, from the bees/bugs or You....Could be:High HumidityToo much NitrogenExcessive rainHigh temps (blossom drop)Or...just plain Bad luck...We had one peter pepper plant fall over in da rain yesterday because it's just loaded with peppers and top heavy

Post by botesbabe on Aug 29, 2008 7:50:27 GMT -6

The blossoms are opening and then the whole thing turns yellow and falls off, Phil- Must be too much rain. My entire property is just a big ole mudhole right now...... Could also be the high humidity. Walk outside and it feels like someone has thrown a warm wet towel over your face

We had one peter pepper plant fall over in da rain yesterday because it's just loaded with peppers and top heavy

Post by The Hollyberry Lady on Mar 3, 2009 7:37:15 GMT -6

Hi guys:

This is why I especially love to grow peppers and tomatoes inside over the winter months, because they do not require any insect pollination to produce a crop!

When my blossoms drop, it's usually because there is a draft - peppers are generally a warm season plant, although 'gypsy' is an exception and likely others as well. Or, the plant is over/ under watered. This is describing indoor conditions, not outdoor.

Also, spider mites can be a problem indoors. I shower my plants weekly with water, to keep mites away.

As well, a good fertilizer, high in phosphorus (middle #) will also help for higher pepper yields.